Multi-energy X-ray Grating Imaging System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional X-ray imaging techniques struggle to identify internal structures of objects with weak X-ray absorption, such as those made of light elements, due to radiation hardening and limited contrast, especially with broad-spectrum X-ray sources, which leads to inadequate imaging of substances like soft tissues and microstructures.
Innovation Solution
A multi-spectrum X-ray grating-based imaging system utilizing an incoherent X-ray source, a grating module with phase-stepping absorption gratings, and an energy-resolved detecting device to capture X-ray intensities across various energy ranges, enabling simultaneous acquisition of attenuation, phase-contrast, and dark-field images, thereby overcoming radiation hardening and improving signal-to-noise ratios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional X-ray imaging technique uses broad-spectrum X-ray sources, then the imaging coverage and penetration capability are improved, but radiation hardening occurs and the contrast for weak-absorbing substances deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The broad-spectrum X-ray beam is segmented into multiple energy spectrum bands using energy-resolved detection. The detecting device separates and detects X-rays at different energy levels independently, allowing the system to process each energy band separately to avoid radiation hardening while maintaining comprehensive imaging coverage across all energies.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the detection parameter from conventional single-intensity measurement to energy-resolved multi-band detection. By measuring X-ray intensity at multiple energy levels simultaneously, the system can reconstruct images that preserve contrast information for weak-absorbing substances while utilizing the full broad-spectrum range for penetration and coverage.
2Ease of operation
If conventional X-ray imaging technique is used for substances with weak absorption, then the simplicity of the method is maintained, but the ability to identify internal structures deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Energy-resolved detection acts as an intermediary between the broad-spectrum X-ray source and the final image reconstruction. This intermediary component separates the X-ray spectrum into multiple energy bands before detection, enabling the system to maintain operational simplicity while dramatically improving the precision of internal structure identification through multi-energy contrast information.
3Reliability
If energy-resolved detection is implemented, then the ability to identify substance components and overcome radiation hardening is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The energy-resolved detecting device performs multiple functions simultaneously: it detects X-ray intensity at multiple energy levels, identifies substance components through spectral analysis, and reconstructs images that are free from radiation hardening artifacts. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems into a single integrated device, managing complexity while enhancing capabilities.
4Measurement precision
If phase-stepping grating method is used, then the phase-contrast imaging capability is improved, but the imaging time and measurement complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The phase-stepping grating performs continuous translational movement through one complete period while the energy-resolved detecting device continuously records intensity variations at multiple energy levels. This continuous measurement process captures all necessary phase-contrast information in a single uninterrupted scan, avoiding the need for multiple discrete measurements and reducing total imaging time while maintaining high measurement precision.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach allows for high-contrast imaging of weak-absorbing substances and effective identification of substance components by utilizing energy-resolved information, enhancing the detection of internal structures and compositions, particularly in medical and industrial applications.
Implementation Method 1
uses information concerning the phase shift of an X-ray beam to observe changes in density of electrons in an object
Implementation Method 2
use two absorption gratings which can translate relative to each other for several steps within a range of one grating period
Implementation Method 3
an energy-resolved detecting device, for receiving the X-rays that have passed through the first absorption grating and the second absorption grating
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a multi-spectrum X-ray grating-based imaging system and imaging method. The multi-spectrum X-ray grating-based imaging system according to the present disclosure comprises an incoherent X-ray source for emitting X-rays to irradiate an object to be detected, a grating module comprising a first absorption grating and a second absorption grating which are disposed in parallel to each other and are sequentially arranged in an X-ray propagation direction, and an energy-resolved detecting device for receiving the X-rays that have passed through the first absorption grating and the second absorption grating. One of the first absorption grating and the second absorption grating performs phase stepping actions within at least one period; during each phase stepping action, the incoherent X-ray source emits X-rays to irradiate the object to be detected; the energy-resolved detecting device receives the X-rays and performs spectrum identification of the X-rays; and after a series of phase stepping actions and data acquisitions over a period, at each pixel on the energy-resolved detecting device, X-ray intensities in each energy range are represented as an intensity curve.